Dance for the Bush! Midwinter Bushdance Fundraiser

Grassroots Action Network Tasmania and the Folk Federation of Tasmania invite you to an evening of dance, music and winter warmers to celebrate the beautiful Tasmanian bushland and to raise funds to aid its protection.

An array of dances will by called by the inimitable David "Oddsocks" Wanless, a self-proclaimed danceoholic and seasoned dance caller and organiser. A Hobart local, David has called dances from Mawson station in Antarctica to France and Prince Edward Island in Canada. He calls dances from many traditions including Contra, Irish, Scottish, E-ceilidh, Renaissance, traditional and contemporary Australian including bush dances, Balkan, Klezmer, Balfolk, Regency, Southern US Squares and his own compositions. He is known for his energetic and inclusive calling, and calls without gendered roles. David believes that dancing not only gives you the joy of moving to inspiring and lively music, but it’s lots of fun, good exercise, fun, sociable, fun, a great way to meet people, fun, has a low environmental impact, excellent for people's physical and mental health, builds community and connection and, did he mention, fun? You will have already likely encountered David and his odd socks at the folk dances at Cygnet Folk Festival and the many folk dancing events put on by the Folk Federation each year. No dancing experience or partner required- just jump straight in and let David show you the moves!

These dances will be accompanied by lively and energetic tunes from local folk quartet The Roundabouts. The Roundabouts are one Fred, two Daves and a Sam picking tunes and songs on guitar, banjo, fiddle and double bass. In concert, these magnetic maestros present mellifluous mountain and maritime music sometimes maudlin, sometimes mournful, sometimes murderous, often magical and magnificent but never mainstream. They also moonlight making magnificent dance music.

A hearty and warming supper will be provided from 6pm catering to all dietary needs as well as other invigorating refreshments being available throughout the evening. You'll also get the chance to win big in our art raffle and stock up on the latest GRANT merchandise!

Half of all proceeds will go towards GRANT's efforts to protect threatened forests whilst the other half will be dedicated to a First Nation's Fund to provide financial assistance to First Nation's peoples and causes on the island. 

This event will be held on the rightful lands of the Palawa/Pakana people. Sovereignty never ceded, always was always will be.